REGISTER for emergency alerts at garco911.com
SUBSCRIBE for emails from this feed - click at upper right
VIEW: Inciweb wildfires | CDOT routes | NOAA storms | CAIC avalanches
Garfield County | Accessibility
Today at 6 am, the Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Team Two transferred command of the Spring Creek Fire to the local Upper Colorado River Interagency Fire Management Unit Type 3 team. Updates will continue though the official Spring Creek Fire Facebook page. The Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team truly enjoyed serving Garfield County the past two weeks and appreciates the hospitality and support.
Jared Hohn, Incident Commander
Date Reported: June 24, 2023
Cause: Under Investigation
Size: 3,286 acres
Containment: 39%
Total Personnel: 531
Location: Southwest of Parachute, CO
Current Situation: Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team Two used helicopters and engines to augment the efforts of the firefighters as they worked to clean up the edge of the fire after the burnout. Substantial work was done on the holding line at the top of the ridge in Division M. The fire is still moving slowly through pockets of denser fuel. Clumps of trees within the fire perimeter may occasionally torch over the next few days, but there is little likelihood that the fire will travel outside of the holding lines.
A Red Flag Warning expired at 9 p.m. last evening; however, exceptionally dry air Tuesday to Thursday will bring the hottest days so far. That could be a factor driving fire activity since fire behavior specialists noted this fire consistently reacts to direct sunlight and the drying and preheating of fuel.
Yesterday, the Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) was flown over portions of the fire using infrared sensors to check for heat. This versatile tool safely aids firefighters in determining areas that may need additional attention. Smoke will be intermittently present for some time both from the smoldering fire and from an exposed oil shale seam.
Firefighters will continue to focus on holding the perimeter today and gaining more containment. In the area where the containment line is secure, firefighters are starting to remove equipment no longer needed from the line. This backhaul process is a time-consuming effort. Items like hoses need to be cleaned and rerolled in preparation for the next fire.
Spring Creek Road and High Mesa Road are open to local traffic only. Please avoid these areas if possible and drive with caution because of increased fire traffic on the roadway.
Weather & Smoke Information: Clear skies, high temperatures, and extremely low humidity are predicted over the next several days. Winds will be close to 15 mph. A strong inversion will again develop overnight and burn off as the day warms. Near critical fire weather continues in the region. Please remain attentive to preventing any new fire starts.
Closures: Bureau of Land Management Colorado River Valley Field Office and US Forest Service White River National Forest have public land closure orders in place for the safety of public and firefighters.
Visit BLM Colorado River Valley Field Office and U.S. Forest Service – White River for closure orders.
Evacuations: There are no evacuations at this time. Residents are encouraged to register with Garfield County’s emergency notification system at: Garfield County Emergency Communications Authority (garco911.com). All evacuation orders will be conducted through the Sheriff’s office. Call recorded message line at 970-981-3401 for current evacuation information.
Temporary Flight Restrictions: There is a TFR (FDC 3/0215) in place for air space over the Spring Creek Fire to reduce impacts to fire aviation operators. Fire aviation response is halted or delayed if an unauthorized aircraft enters the TFR. Temporary flight restrictions also apply to unmanned aircraft system (UAS) or drones. If you fly, we can’t!
Fire Information Phoneline: (970) 414-1772 Time: 7 a.m.–7 p.m.
Media inquiries: (970) 414-1665 Time: 7 a.m.–7 p.m.
Facebook: Spring Creek Fire 2023 Email: 2023.springcreek@firenet.gov InciWeb: Spring Creek Fire Information
Jared Hohn, Incident Commander
Date Reported: June 24, 2023
Cause: Under Investigation
Size: 3,230 acres
Containment: 37%
Total Personnel: 532
Location: Southwest of Parachute, CO
Current Situation: Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team Two took advantage of ideal conditions yesterday to continue with the carefully planned ignitions which have been very successful over the past few days.
Aerial ignitions inside the holding lines deprive the fire of fuel and limit the opportunity for the fire growth outside the established holding line. Instead of burning one large area as is often done as a containment strategy, the team identified small segments to burn and strategically planned the best sequence of these units to get the most effective results. These decisions are based on predicted weather, prevailing winds, terrain, vegetation type, fuel moisture, and fire behavior modeling.
Yesterday, both an Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) and a helicopter were used to dispense the spheres used during aerial ignitions. A UAS can only carry a limited number of plastic spheres before it needs to return and reload whereas a helicopter can carry a much greater supply. However, there are heightened safety concerns when a helicopter is used because of increased exposure and risk to the personnel on board. Because of the complexity of the operation, fire managers decided to alternately use the UAS and helicopter to provide the greatest safety measures.
After several days of ignitions, firefighters will focus on holding the perimeter today. Part of the strategy is allowing some of the remaining fire to continue to creep through the interior and finish consuming ground fuels. Securing the edge of the fire is an arduous task. While the long, hot days increase the physical challenge of fighting fire, the firefighters’ persistent efforts will slowly add more containment.
Spring Creek Road and High Mesa Road are open to local traffic only. Please avoid these areas if possible and drive with caution because of increased fire traffic on the roadway.
Weather & Smoke Information: Clear skies, high temperatures, and low humidity are predicted for the next several days. Winds will be close to 20 mph. A strong inversion will again develop overnight and burn off as the day warms. Near critical fire weather continues in the region with a Red Flag Warning for today. Please remain attentive to preventing any new fire starts.
Closures: Bureau of Land Management Colorado River Valley Field Office and US Forest Service White River National Forest have public land closure orders in place for the safety of public and firefighters.
Visit BLM Colorado River Valley Field Office and U.S. Forest Service – White River for closure orders.
Evacuations: There are no evacuations at this time. Residents are encouraged to register with Garfield County’s emergency notification system at: Garfield County Emergency Communications Authority (garco911.com). All evacuation orders will be conducted through the Sheriff’s office. Call recorded message line at 970-981-3401 for current evacuation information.
Temporary Flight Restrictions: There is a TFR (FDC 3/0215) in place for air space over the Spring Creek Fire to reduce impacts to fire aviation operators. Fire aviation response is halted or delayed if an unauthorized aircraft enters the TFR. Temporary flight restrictions also apply to unmanned aircraft system (UAS) or drones. If you fly, we can’t!
Fire Information Phoneline: (970) 414-1772 Time: 7 a.m.–7 p.m.
Media inquiries: (970) 414-1665 Time: 7 a.m.–7 p.m.
Facebook: Spring Creek Fire 2023 Email: 2023.springcreek@firenet.gov InciWeb: Spring Creek Fire Information
July 5, 2023, 11:28 a.m. – Operational update from the Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team 2.
Jeramy Dietz, Planning Operations Section Chief Trainee, gives us an overview of each division’s operational plans for today.
Jared Hohn, Incident Commander
Date reported: June 24, 2023
Cause: Under investigation
Size: 2,940 acres
Containment: 37%
Total personnel: 544
Location: Southwest of Parachute, CO
July 5, 10:18 a.m., – Current situation: The Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team Two tactical plan for yesterday’s challenging weather conditions proved to be effective. Strong gusty winds began around 3 p.m., but the cloud cover kept the fire from heating up excessively. Overall fire behavior was relatively calm, burning through the underbrush.
Several days of drying conditions have increased the chances of smaller vegetation igniting and carrying fire; however, the larger fuels, like live trees, remain too moist for the fire to climb up the branches and torch. Torching can throw embers into the air and travel greater distances on the wind. In contrast, the creeping fire behavior is helpful in removing fuels from the area. Late in the afternoon, because conditions were appropriate, fire managers implemented the plan to ignite the dense oak scrub and mahogany brush on the northeast side of the fire. Using drones—unmanned aerial systems (UAS)—operators can strategically apply fire to the landscape from a safe distance. The plastic spheres dropped by the UAS contain a combustible chemical combination that ignites the vegetation. The purpose is to burn fuels under the most advantageous conditions and rob the fire of materials that could burn much hotter under drier conditions. If the test fires burn as expected and conditions remain favorable, there may be additional burnout operations inside the contingency lines.
Firefighters will continue to work the perimeter of the fire to address pockets of heat and prevent spread. Overnight infrared flights identify areas of intense heat, allowing firefighters to target the hottest spots. Night crews work to secure the edge of the fire, taking advantage of the cooler, moister night air. Crews are working all hours and all sides of the Spring Creek Fire to maintain control, and no containment issues are expected.
Spring Creek Road and High Mesa Road are open to local traffic only. Please avoid these areas if possible and drive with caution because of increased fire traffic on the roadway.
Weather and smoke information: Mostly sunny skies, high temperatures, and low humidity are predicted for today. Winds will be light at 5-15 mph. Near critical fire weather is expected to return Thursday through Sunday with high temperatures and gusty winds. Residents must remain vigilent in preventing any new fire starts that would pull resources away from the Spring Creek Fire.
Closures: Bureau of Land Management Colorado River Valley Field Office and US Forest Service White River National Forest have public land closure orders in place for the safety of public and firefighters.
Visit BLM Colorado River Valley Field Office and U.S. Forest Service – White River for closure orders.
Evacuations: There are no evacuations at this time. Residents are encouraged to register with Garfield County’s emergency notification system at: Garfield County Emergency Communications Authority (garco911.com). All evacuation orders will be conducted through the Sheriff’s office. Call recorded message line at 970-981-3401 for current evacuation information
Temporary Flight Restrictions: There is a TFR (FDC 3/0215) in place for air space over the Spring Creek Fire to reduce impacts to fire aviation operators. Fire aviation response is halted or delayed if an unauthorized aircraft enters the TFR. Temporary flight restrictions also apply to unmanned aircraft system (UAS) or drones. If you fly, we can’t!
Fire Information Phoneline: (970) 414-1772 Time: 7 a.m.–7 p.m.
Facebook: Spring Creek Fire 2023
Email: 2023.springcreek@firenet.gov
InciWeb: Spring Creek Fire Information
July 4th, 2023 Operational update from the Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team 2.
Jeramy Dietz, Planning Operations Section Chief Trainee, gives us an overview of each division’s operational plans for today.
Have a safe and happy Independence Day!
Spring Creek Fire Update
July 4, 2023
Rocky Mountain Area Complex Incident Management Team Two
Jared Hohn, Incident Commander
Date Reported: June 24, 2023
Cause: Under Investigation
Size: 2,932 acres
Containment: 37%
Total Personnel: 538
Location: Southwest of Parachute, CO
Current Situation: The Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team Two carefully prepared for today’s Red Flag Warning by adapting tactical plans. While the exact challenges the weather conditions may bring today are unknown, fire managers have created a plan of action by studying the dryness of area vegetation, carefully assessing the topography of the area, and using computer modeling to predict possible fire behavior.
Yesterday, firefighters again cooled hot spots along the perimeter of the fire and built line by hand and heavy equipment. Crews removed brush along roadsides to create fire barriers. Their efforts gained containment and slowed the growth of the Spring Creek Fire. These fire control measures will be tested by the predicted weather, but firefighters have prepared for it by placing supplies like hoses, pumps, and water tanks at advantageous locations; scouting out and marking safe travel corridors for personnel and vehicles; and developing safety plans to protect firefighters in emergency situations.
Contingency plans are developed in case the primary fire controls do not suffice. One contingency plan designed to further protect the populated areas on the north side of the fire is the clearing of vegetation along the gravel road north of Dry Creek Road. This provides a second fuel break between the fire and developed areas as an additional defensive tactic.
Spring Creek Road and High Mesa Road are open to local traffic only. Please avoid these areas if possible and drive with caution because of increased fire traffic on the roadway.
Weather & Smoke Information: Temperatures and winds will increase today, and the fire will become more active after the inversion breaks around 11:00 a.m. A Red Flag Warning is in effect from noon to 9 p.m. on July 4th. Gusts of wind up to 45 mph are predicted. Over the next few days, the temperatures will remain near 90° F. Winds will calm on Wednesday but increase again Thursday thru Saturday. Residents are asked to help reduce any new fire starts during the holiday’s critical fire weather that would pull resources away from the Spring Creek Fire.
Closures: Bureau of Land Management Colorado River Valley Field Office and US Forest Service White River National Forest have public land closure orders in place for the safety of public and firefighters.
Visit BLM Colorado River Valley Field Office and U.S. Forest Service – White River for closure orders.
Evacuations: There are no evacuations at this time. Residents are encouraged to register with Garfield County’s emergency notification system at: Garfield County Emergency Communications Authority. All evacuation orders will be conducted through the Sheriff’s office. Call recorded message line at 970-981-3401 for current evacuation information
Temporary Flight Restrictions: There is a TFR (FDC 3/0215) in place for air space over the Spring Creek Fire to reduce impacts to fire aviation operators. Fire aviation response is halted or delayed if an unauthorized aircraft enters the TFR. Temporary flight restrictions also apply to unmanned aircraft system (UAS) or drones. If you fly, we can’t!
Fire Information Phoneline: (970) 414-1772 Time: 8 a.m.–9 p.m.
Media inquiries: (970) 414-1665 Time: 8 a.m.–9 p.m.
Facebook: Spring Creek Fire 2023
Email: 2023.springcreek@firenet.gov
Date Reported: June 24, 2023
Cause: Under Investigation
Size: 2,932 acres
Containment: 37%
Total Personnel: 539
Location: Southwest of Parachute, CO
Current Situation: The Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team 2 will continue to prepare for critical fire weather conditions expected on Tuesday, July 4, including high temperatures, low humidity, and strong winds. Firefighters’ efforts include patrolling and looking for hot spots inside the fire perimeter that could again become active with strong winds. Hand crews and heavy equipment will improve and expand hand and dozer lines already in place. One piece of equipment, a masticator, is similar to a wood chipper; it “chews up” heavy vegetation and trees, widening the fuel break.
The incident management team includes both its own incident meteorologist and a fire behavior analyst who work cooperatively to predict fire activity and growth based on weather, vegetation, topography, historical fire data, and other factors. Their contributions further assist the team with proactive and contingency planning.
Due to the weather forecast, the plan to ignite pockets of unburned dense vegetation in the NE corner of the fire (Division P on the map) was delayed yesterday. The intent of this action was to tie two spot fires into the main fire perimeter near the area where crews have been working with heavy equipment to build a substantial fire line.
Spring Creek Road and High Mesa Road are open to local traffic only. Please avoid these areas if possible and drive with caution with increase in fire personnel on the roadway.
Weather & Smoke Information: The weather is predicted to continue to be warm and dry. Light NW winds on Monday are expected to noticably increase on Tuseday with possible gusts up to 40 mph. Tuesday will likely bring the most critical fire weather conditions this area has seen since Monday, June 26 when the fire grew rapidly. Residents are asked to help reduce any new fire starts during the holiday’s Fire Weather Watch that would pull resources away from the Spring Creek Fire during this weather event.
Closures: Bureau of Land Management Colorado River Valley Field Office and US Forest Service White River National Forest have public land closure orders in place for the safety of public and firefighters.
Visit BLM Colorado River Valley Field Office and U.S. Forest Service – White River for closure orders.
Evacuations: There are no evacuations at this time. Residents are encouraged to register with Garfield County’s emergency notification system at: Garfield County Emergency Communications Authority. All evacuation orders will be conducted through the Sheriff’s office. Call recorded message line at 970-981-3401 for current evacuation information.
Temporary Flight Restrictions: There is a TFR (FDC 3/0215) in place for air space over the Spring Creek Fire to reduce impacts to fire aviation operators. Fire aviation response is halted or delayed if an unauthorized aircraft enters the TFR. Temporary flight restrictions also apply to unmanned aircraft system (UAS) or drones. If you fly, we can’t!
Fire Information Phoneline: (970) 414-1772 Time: 8 a.m.–9 p.m.
Media inquiries: (970) 414-1665 Time: 8 a.m.–9 p.m.
Facebook: Spring Creek Fire 2023
Email: 2023.springcreek@firenet.gov InciWeb: Spring Creek Fire Information